In the rural districts of Niassa Province, Mozambique, many young people face limited options once they reach adolescence. School attendance is often disrupted, and work in the fields becomes one of the few available paths. For children aged 15 to 17, this work can be hazardous and isolating. Many families rely on this contribution to survive, especially in tobacco-growing areas where income is uncertain and seasons are unpredictable.
The UPSKILL Project was created as a response to these conditions. It focuses on preparing older adolescents for safer forms of employment by offering technical and vocational training that reflects the realities of their environment. In 2024, 118 young people completed courses in sectors that are in demand locally. These included motorcycle repair, agriculture, welding, tailoring, cookery, woodworking, and hairdressing. The training combined hands-on experience with instruction aligned to the national curriculum, making it possible for young people to gain recognised and applicable skills.
Among those who graduated, 60 had previously been involved in hazardous child labour. Another 58 were identified as being at risk. These figures speak to the vulnerability many young people face in agricultural zones, where financial pressure often outweighs the long-term value of education or training. With this project, participants accessed an alternative that could provide a steady income through work that is safer and more sustainable.
Of the total participants, 54% were girls. Their participation reflects a shift in awareness and opportunity, particularly as many of them chose training in areas that have traditionally been male-dominated. This decision can help increase their income potential and widen their future employment options.
Each graduate received a starter toolkit tailored to their trade. These toolkits give young people the ability to apply what they have learned directly after completing the course. This is important in areas where formal employment is rare and self-employment is often the most realistic way to earn a living. The project also includes plans for follow-up support. Graduates will be monitored and guided to help them use their new skills in a practical way and continue building on what they’ve learned.
The graduation rate of 98.3% highlights the value participants placed on this opportunity. It also reflects the care taken in designing the courses to fit the actual needs and interests of the communities involved.
The UPSKILL Project is aligned with several national policy priorities in Mozambique and with the Sustainable Development Goals. It contributes to goals focused on education, decent work, gender equality, food security, and reducing inequality. The connection between these objectives is not theoretical. In rural communities, access to education, the chance to earn safely, and the ability to plan for the future are deeply interdependent.
The results of the UPSKILL Project show that vocational training can help young people develop the confidence and ability to work under better conditions. When training is accessible, relevant, and supported by communities, it opens up new ways for young people to contribute without compromising their well-being.
In Niassa Province, many young people are beginning to apply what they have learned. They are using their skills to generate income and support their families. Their progress is evidence that, with the right approach, training can become a practical step toward reducing child labour in regions where few alternatives exist.